GOLIAD – The Goliad City Council discussed options on how to fund repairs to the swimming pool the city shares with Goliad State Park.

During council's April 1 meeting, City Administrator Larry Zermeno said the facility will open this summer, but faces approximately $650,000 in repairs, some of them needed to comply with state regulations.

“We are operating it this summer, but next year is in jeopardy,” Zermeno said.

Goliad State Park Superintendent Brenda Justice said usage of the pool by park guests has decreased over the years. In 2012, 734 park guests utilized the pool while 555 visited the facility in 2013.

“The infrastructure of this pool is so aging, that we’re not willing at this point to do anything more with that pool,” Justice said. “The money we would spend on that pool could be better used at parks that are facing a lot more serious problems and that have higher visitation.”

Justice said the funding would have to go through a line item at the State Legislature.

“I do not see that being an option,” Justice said. “None of us want to see the pool closed, but for us it is a reality.”

Zermeno recommended the city approach the San Antonio River Authority for funding assistance.

Justice said Goliad State Park would like to end its contract with the city for maintenance and operation of the pool, which is on state property.

“Right now, we’re paying for all the chemicals, any equipment repairs and we’ve been doing that for quite a while,” Justice said. “The only thing that the city has covered, which is big, is the lifeguards and hiring the staff in the summer.”

Mayor Jay Harvey said the city needed to provide a safe place for youngsters to swim.

“Kids are going to swim somewhere,” Harvey said. “We need to research and see if we can find a safe environment for them.”

“It doesn’t look like focusing on repairing this pool is the right direction,” Zermeno said.

Council unanimously approved Kathy Peters, Luis Hernandez, Ida Hernandez and Christina Valderrama as clerks for the May 10 city elections.